What Is A Fancy Shaped Diamond?

What Is A Fancy Shaped Diamond?

There are some notable life events where you are required to learn what seems like a completely foreign language in a short amount of time. Building a home is one, learning all of the terminology that comes with having a child is another.

But when it comes to new terminology, the process of choosing your engagement ring and wedding band can be just as daunting because of all of the new terminology thrown your way.

Whether you are choosing your ring, or sitting down with me in my studio to design a custom made ring just for you, it really helps to have some sort of knowledge of the huge range of choices available to you.

One of the most common “language barriers” comes from the centrepiece of any ring: the diamond. While most couples have some understanding of the four “C’s” of judging diamonds, fewer are aware of how the stone can be cut differently.

For a couple wanting something a little more personalised or bespoke for their engagement or wedding ring, fancy cut diamonds can offer a truly unique option.

Brilliant Cut

When each diamond is first mined it is found in an uncut, “rough” form. It is through the skill of master diamond cutters that these raw unpolished gems are refined and come to take the form that we are all familiar with.

The most common shape by far is the round brilliant cut diamond. This is the “classic” engagement ring stone, and was made popular the world over by the iconic Tiffany style setting. 75% of all diamonds sold (and many that make their way onto engagement rings) are cut in this shape.

However, the brilliant cut is not a ‘fancy cut’, and there are so many more options for couples to choose from that will enhance the visual appeal of your stone.

Princess Cut

By the 1980’s there was already a yearning from some diamond buyers for stones who broke the conventional mould that had been popular for many decades. Two jewellers from Ambar Diamonds pioneered the Princess cut in response to this demand.

The cut has more facets than a Brilliant cut stone, giving it more internal fire. This is possible because of the square shape of the stone, with bold uncut corners. They are also heavier than brilliant cut, lending a pleasing weight to the stone. These are the second most popular cut for engagement rings and wedding rings.

Emerald Cut

Emerald cut diamonds are another rectangular cut stone with rectangular cut corners. The rows present in this cut give the appearance of terraces, with wide sweeping cuts at the top and narrower more refined cuts as the stone narrows toward the base.

The typical length of stones cut this way is 1.5 – 1.75 times the width, though depending on the individual stone, these proportions can vary.

Oval Cut

Oval cut diamonds are another product of an enterprising and innovative jeweller. They have some similarities in form to the Princess cut stone, but their wider dimensions across the top face gives these stones the appearance of being much larger, especially when light passes through the facets of the stone.

Pear Cut

The Pear cut is another sister of the Brilliant cut, which is why you will sometimes see these stones described as modified Brilliant cuts. These stones resemble the teardrop shape often seen in pendants or earrings.

Once again, when cut this way, these stones can seem elongated and much larger than their counterparts and are a favourite of couples who favour the elegant and soft shape that it offers.

If you are interested in finding out more about how we can incorporate your chosen stone type in a custom engagement ring or unique wedding band, I would be glad to meet with you at my studio and take you through the process of selecting a diamond. All you need to do is call or email and we can arrange an appointment and to begin the process of bringing to life your own very special ring.